Hardware issues in the movement to computer-based patient records.

The health care field is making significant progress in shifting to computer-based patient records. Providers are faced with some difficult decisions about what hardware options are most appropriate. Key issues include the choice of clinical workstations vs. portable computers, the use of new client-server architecture or traditional mainframe-based systems and the role of personal computers. This special report offers an indepth assessment of important hardware trends in the records automation movement. The first story offers an analysis of the hardware implications of client-server architecture and an assessment of the long-term role of mainframe computers. The second story sizes up the potential role for mobile computing, including hand-held devices and wireless technology.